Written question asked by Julia Drown (Labour) on Wednesday, 4 April 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 25 April 2001. It was answered by Clare Short (Labour) on Wednesday, 25 April 2001 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Dept for International Development

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, If she will make a statement on her policy in respect of the use of World Trade Organisation sponsored and unilateral trade sanctions as a response to developing countries providing generic drugs to treat diseases. (Failed OPQ)

Answer: Ms Drown: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on her policy in respect of the use of World Trade Organisation sponsored and unilateral trade sanctions as a response to developing countries providing generic drugs to treat diseases. [157661] Clare Short: The TRIPS agreement does not apply to generic medicines, which are off-patent. Copies of patented drugs can be legitimately made under the TRIPS agreement through voluntary or, in certain circumstances compulsory licensing. There have been no cases of the WTO dispute settlement panel imposing sanctions on a developing country providing generic drugs.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 367 c301W; 157661
Session: 2000-01
Question not reached: Yes
Subjects: Developing countries Drugs Trade agreements Sanctions World Trade Organization Generic prescribing
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk